Pledge to support elderly folk

A NOTTS County Council delivery driver who takes Meals at Home to elderly people in the Bassetlaw area has made a pledge to support Age UK’s campaign to end loneliness.

Carina Weeks has pledged to listen more to her customers.

“I really enjoy my job and go to every client with a smile and a cheery greeting,” said Carina.

“We are told we are an important link and this is confirmed by clients telling you they haven’t seen anyone since you left the day before.”

“I recently phoned the emergency services after a customer had collapsed in his home and knocked a chair towards his gas fire. The ambulance man said this would have caught light.”

“We could not contact his daughter and found out the next day that she was in hospital herself. This makes you realise how important a role we play. Very humbling.”

Around 1,700 residents currently use the local service which celebrated its 40th anniversary last year.

Coun Kevin Rostance, chairman of the county council’s adult social care and health committee, said: “Our Meals at Home service is a vital lifeline for many older people and our delivery drivers are sometimes the only friendly face they will see each day.”

“We are looking to help promote the campaign locally and ensure our services which support older people link in with its aims.”

“I would also encourage local people to do their bit and pledge to tackle loneliness, which could include taking an older neighbour to a local coffee morning or phone a grandparent once a week.”

To make a pledge visit Age UK’s website at www.ageuk.org.uk/notts To find out more about the Meals at Home service, contact County Enterprise Foods on 01623 490015 or see www.countyenterprisefoods.co.uk